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Extraction of Essential Oil and Its Applications: Bachelor of Technology (Chemical Engineering)
Extraction of Essential Oil and Its Applications: Bachelor of Technology (Chemical Engineering)
Extraction of Essential Oil and Its Applications: Bachelor of Technology (Chemical Engineering)
Project Report on
Submitted
By
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that that the work in this thesis report entitled Extraction of Essential
Oil and its applications submitted by Virendra P.S.Rao and Diwaker Pandey in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Technology in Chemical
Engineering Session 2003-2007 in the department of Chemical Engineering, National
Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela is an authentic work carried out by them
under my supervision and guidance.
To the best of my knowledge, the matter embodied in the thesis has not been submitted to
any other University/Institute for the award of any degree.
Date:
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We express sincere gratitude to our project guide Prof. (Mrs) Abanti Sahoo, Asst
professor for her kind support , guidance and constructive criticism in the
completion of project. We are thankful to Mr. R.K. Singh for his sincerity over
the project.
We are also thankful to Prof. Pradip Rath, Head of the Department, for providing
us the necessary opportunities for the completion of our project.
iii
CONTENT
Title
Page No
Abstract
vi
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
1-3
Chapter 2
LITERATURE SURVEY
4-23
10
15
18
Chapter 3
EXPERIMENTAL WORK
21
24-31
25
27
28
29
Chapter 4
4.1 Inferences
Chapter 5
32-34
33
35
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
37-39
iv
Figure Contents
Title
Page No.
25
26
27
30
31
33
34
Table Content
Table-1.1: Major raw materials used for the extraction of Essential oil
07
28
30
ABSTRACT
Essential oils are highly concentrated substances extracted from flowers, leaves, stems,
roots, seeds, barks, resins, or fruit rinds. These oils are often used for their flavor and
their therapeutic or odoriferous properties, in a wide selection of products such as foods,
medicines, and cosmetics. Extraction of essential oils is one of the most time- and effortconsuming processes. The way in which oils are extracted from plants is important
because some processes use solvents that can destroy the therapeutic properties. There
are wide number of ways to extract the Essential oil but the quality never remains the
same. Here we are using the Steam Distillation method for extraction which is the
cheapest way for the extraction of Oils from the different parts of the plants. In this
process steam is allowed to pass through the extraction chamber which contains plant
matter. When steam passes through the herb material under pressure which softens the
cells and allows the essential oil to escape in vapor form. The vapour allows to pass
through condenser and oil is collected in separating funnel and separated. Composition
data for Eucalyptus oil were studied and found the Eucalyptus oil can be used as
cosolvent which results in depression of cloud point temperature.
vi
CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION
Humankind has used plants for healing for many thousands of years, and it's from this
tradition of that the use of aromatic plant compounds is medicine began. Oils were used
in the embalming process, in medicine and in purification rituals. There are also over 200
references to aromatics, incense and ointments in the Old and New Testaments;
Frankincense, Myrrh, Galbanum, Cinnamon, Cassia, Rosemary, Hyssop and Spikenard
are noted for being used for anointing rituals and healing of the sick.
Research has confirmed centuries of practical use of essential oils, and we now know that
the 'fragrant pharmacy' contains compounds with an extremely broad range of
biochemical effects. There are about three hundred essential oils in general use today by
professional practitioners. With the continual bombardment of viral, bacterial, parasitic
and fungal contamination in our world, essential oils are a great benefit to help protect
our bodies and homes from this onslaught of pathogens. Immune system systems need
support and essential oils can give it.
Because of the enormous amount of raw product used to make wholly natural essential
oils, lots of products on the market have been polluted with lower quality, commercial
grade oils or contain other chemical substances to reduce the cost or increase the profit
margin a fact not usually revealed on the label. This is why it is important to study the
chemical composition of the volatile fraction once the essential oil is extracted. This
fraction is characterized by the complexity in the separation of its components, which
belong to various classes of compounds and which are present in a wide range of
concentrations. Therefore it is complicated to establish a composition profile of essential
oils. The gas chromatographic method (GC) is almost exclusively used for the qualitative
analysis of volatiles. The analysis of essential oils was developed in parallel with the
technological developments in GC, such as stationary phases, detection devices, etc.
However, advances in instrumentation were not the only important factor in the
development of analytical methods for essential oils in plants. Sample extraction and
concentration were also improved. The most outstanding improvements in the
determination of the composition of essential oils came from the introduction of tandem
CHAPTER-2
LITERATURE SURVEY
Table-1.1
Flowers
Peel
Seeds
Wood
Basil
Chamomile
Bergamot
Almond
Camphor
Bay leaf
Clary Sage
Grape fruit
Anise
Cedar
Cinnamon
Clove
Lemon
Celery
Rosewood
Eucalyptus
Geranium
Lime
Cumin
Sandalwood
Lemon Grass
Hyssop
Orange
Nutmeg Oil
Melaleuca
Jasmine
Tangerine
Oregano
Lavender
Patchouli
Manuka
Peppermint
Marjoram
Pine
Orange
Rosemary
Rose
Spearmint
Ylang-Ylang
Tea Tree
Wintergreen
Thyme
Berries
Bark
Resins
Allspice
Cassia
Frankincense
Juniper
Cinnamon
Myrrh
Rhizome
Ginger
Root
Valerian
By carefully choosing one or more oils, you can experience benefical effects
promoting overall health - and even specific targets. Benefits depend upon the unique
nature of each persons response to an aromatic stimulus.
Others:
Cholagogue; anti-inflammatory; cicatrizing
2.4.1. Hydrocarbon:
Essential Oils consist of Chemical Compounds that have hydrogen and carbon as their
building blocks. Basic Hydrocarbon found in plants are isoprene having the following
structure.
(Isoprene)
2.4.2. Terpenes:
Generally have names ending in ene.
For examples: Limonene, Pinene, Piperene, Camphene, etc. Terpenes are antiinflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, and bactericidal. Terpenes can be further categorized
in monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and diterpenes. Referring back to isoprene units under
the Hydrocarbon heading, when two of these isoprene
units join head to tail, the result is a monoterpene, when three join, its a sesquiterpene
and four linked isoprene units are diterpenes.
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(Limonene)
(Menthol)
The branched-chain C10 hydrocarbons comprises of two isoprene units and is widely
distributed in nature with more than 400 naturally occurring monoterpenes identified.
Moreover, besides being linear derivatives (Geraniol, Citronellol), the monoterpenes can
be cyclic molecules (Menthol Monocyclic; Camphor bicyclic; Pinenes ( and )
Pine genera as well. Thujone (a monoterpene) is the toxic agent found in Artemisia
absinthium (wormwood) from which the liqueur, absinthe, is made. Borneol and camphor
are two common monoterpenes. Borneol, derived from pine oil, is used as a disinfectant
and deodorant. Camphor is used as a counterirritant, anesthetic, expectorant, and
antipruritic, among many other uses.
Example:
Camphene and pinene in cypress oil.
Camphene, pinene and thujhene in black pepper.
2.4.2. b. Sesquiterpenes
Properties: anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, analgesic, anti-allergic.
Sesquiterpenes are biogenetically derived from farensyl pyrophosphate and in structure
may be linear, monocyclic or bicyclic. They constitute a very large group of secondary
metabolites, some having been shown to be stress compounds formed as a result of
disease or injury.
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Sesquiterpene Lactones:
Over 500 compounds of this group are known; they are particularly characteristics of
the Compositae but do occur sporadically in other families. Not only have they proved to
be of interest from chemical and chemotaxonomic viewpoints, but also possess many
antitumor, anti-leukemia, cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities. They can be responsible
for skin allergies in humans and they can also act as insect feeding deterrents.
Chemically the compounds can be classified according to their carboxylic skeletons; thus,
from the germacranolides can be derived the guaianolides, pseudoguaianolides,
eudesmanolides, eremophilanolides, xanthanolides, etc.
2.4.2.c. Diterpenes
Properties: anti-fungal, expectorant, hormonal balancers, hypotensive
Diterpenes are made of up four isoprene units. This molecule is too heavy to allow for
evaporation with steam in the distillation process, so is rarely found in distilled essential
oils. Diterpenes occur in all plant families and consist of compounds having a C20
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skeleton. There are about 2500 known diterpenes that belong to 20 major structural types.
Plant hormones Gibberellins and phytol occurring as a side chain on chlorophyll are
diterpenic derivatives. The biosynthesis occurs in plastids and interestingly mixtures of
monoterpenes and diterpenes are the major constituents of plant resins. In a similar
manner to monoterpenes, diterpenes arise from metabolism of geranyl geranyl
pyrophosphate (GGPP).
Diterpenes have limited therapeutical importance and are used in certain sedatives
(coughs) as well as in antispasmodics and antoxiolytics.
Example:
Sclareol in clary sage is an example of a diterpene alcohol.
2.4.3. Alcohols
Properties: anti-septic, anti-viral, bactericidal and germicidal.
Alcohols are the compounds which contains Hydroxyl compounds. Alcohols exist
naturally, either as a free compound, or combined with a terpenes or ester. When terpenes
are attached to an oxygen atom, and hydrogen atom, the result is an alcohol. When the
terpene is monoterpene, the resulting alcohol is called a monoterpenol. Alcohols have a
very low or totally absent toxic reaction in the body or on the skin. Therefore, they are
considered safe to use.
Example:
linalool found in ylang-ylang and lavender.
Geraniol in geranium and rose.
Nerol in neroli.
2.4.4. Aldehydes:
Properties:
anti-fungal,
anti-inflammatory,
anti-septic,
anti-viral,
bactericidal,
disinfectant, sedative.
Medicinally, essential oils containing aldehydes are effective in treating Candida and
other fungal infections.
Example:
Citral in lemon.
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2.4.5. Acids
Properties: anti-inflammatory.
Organic acids in their free state are generally found in very small quantities within
Essential oils. Plant acids act as components or buffer systems to control acidity.
Example:
Cinnamic and benzoic acid in benzoin.
Citric and lactic.
2.4.6. Esters
Esters are formed through the reaction of alcohols with acids. Essential oils containing
esters are used for their soothing, balancing effects. Because of the presence of alcohol,
they are effective antimicrobial agents. Medicinally, esters are characterized as antifungal
and sedative, with a balancing action on the nervous system. They generally are free from
precautions with the exception of methyl salicylate found in birch and wintergreen which
is toxic within the system.
Example:
linlyl acetate in bergamot and lavender.
Geranyl formate in geranium.
2.4.7. Ketones:
Properties: anti-catarrhal, cell proliferant, expectorant, vulnery.
Ketones often are found in plants that are used for upper respiratory complaints. They
assist the flow of mucus and ease congestion. Essential oils containing ketones are
beneficial for promoting wound healing and encouraging the formation of scar tissue.
Ketones are usually (not always) very toxic. The most toxic ketone is Thujone found in
mugwort, sage, tansy, thuja and wormwood oils. Other toxic ketones found in essential
14
oils are pulegone in pennyroyal, and pinocamphone in hyssops. Some non-toxic ketones
are jasmone in jasmine oil, fenchone in fennel oil, carvone in spearmint and dill oil and
menthone in peppermint oil.
Example:
fenchone in fennel, carvone in spearmint and dill
Menthone in peppermint.
2.4.8. Lactones
Properties: anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, expectorant, febrifuge.
Lactones are known to be particularly effective for their anti-inflammatory action,
possibly by their role in the reduction of prostaglandin synthesis and expectorant actions.
Lactones have an even stronger expectorant action then ketones.
15
The value of the newer processing methods depends greatly on the experience of the
distiller, as well as the intended application of the final product. Each method is
important, and has its place in the making of aromatherapy-grade essential oils. Some of
the few methods are available for extractions of essential oils are given below:
2.5.1. Maceration: Maceration actually creates more of aninfused oil" rather than an
"essential oil". The plant matter is soaked in vegetable oil, heated and strained at which
point it can be used for massage.
2.5.2. Cold Pressing: Cold pressing is used to extract the essential oils from citrus
rinds such as orange, lemon, grapefruit and bergamot. This method involves the simple
pressing of the rind at about 120 degrees F to extract the oil. The rinds are separated from
the fruit, are ground or chopped and are then pressed. The result is a watery mixture of
essential oil and liquid which will separate given time. Little, if any, alteration from the
oil's original state occurs these citrus oils retain their bright, fresh, uplifting aromas like
that of smelling a wonderfully ripe fruit. It is important to note that oils extracted using
this method have a relatively short shelf life, so make or purchase only what you will be
using within the next six months.
2.5.4. Enfleurage: An intensive and traditional way of extracting oil from flowers.
The process involves layering fat over the flower petals. After the fat has absorbed the
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essential oils, alcohol is used to separate and extract the oils from the fat. The alcohol is
then evaporated and the essential oil collected.
2.5.5. Hydro distillation: Some process becomes obsolete to carry out extraction
process like Hydro Distillation which often used in primitive countries. The risk is that
the still can run dry, or be overheated, burning the aromatics and resulting in an Essential
Oil with a burnt smell. Hydro distillation seems to work best for powders (i.e., spice
powders, ground wood, etc.) and very tough materials like roots, wood, or nuts.
2.5.6. CO2 & Super Critical CO2 Extraction: The most modern technologies,
Carbon Dioxide and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide extraction involve the use of carbon
dioxide as the 'solvent' which carries the essential oil away from the raw plant material.
The lower pressure CO2 extraction involves chilling carbon dioxide to between 35 and 55
degrees F, and pumping it through the plant material at about 1000 psi. The carbon
dioxide in this condition is condensed to a liquid. Supercritical CO2 extraction (SCO2)
involves carbon dioxide heated to 87 degrees F and pumped through the plant material at
around 8,000 psi under these conditions; the carbon dioxide is likened to a 'dense fog'
or vapor. With release of the pressure in either process, the carbon dioxide escapes in its
gaseous form, leaving the essential oil behind. The usual method of extraction is through
steam distillation. After extraction, the properties of a good quality essential oil should
be as close as possible to the "essence" of the original plant. The key to a 'good' essential
oil is through low pressure and low temperature processing. High temperatures, rapid
processing and the use of solvents alter the molecular structure, will destroy the
therapeutic value and alter the fragrance.
2.5.7. Turbo Distillation Extraction: Turbo distillation is suitable for hard-toextract or coarse plant material, such as bark, roots, and seeds. In this process, the plants
soak in water and steam is circulated through this plant and water mixture. Throughout
the entire process, the same water is continually recycled through the plant material. This
method allows faster extraction of essential oils from hard-to-extract plant materials.
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2.5.8. Steam Distillation: Most commonly, the essence is extracted from the plant
using an technique called distillation. One type of distillation places the plants or flowers
on a screen. Steam is passed through the area and becomes "charged" with the essence.
The steam then passes through an area where it cools and condenses. This mixture of
water and essential oil is separated and bottled. Since plants contain such a small amount
of this precious oil, several hundred pounds may need to produce a single ounce.
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condensation chamber. As the steam cools, it condenses into water. The essential oil
forms a film on the surface of the water. To separate the essential oil from the water, the
film is then decanted or skimmed off the top. The remaining water, a byproduct of
distillation, is called floral water, distillate, or hydrosol. It retains many of the therapeutic
properties of the plant, making it valuable in skin care for facial mists and toners. In
certain situations, floral water may be preferable to be pure essential oil, such as when
treating a sensitive individual or a child, or when a more diluted treatment is required.
Rose hydrosol, for example, is commonly used for it's mild antiseptic and soothing
properties, as well as it's pleasing floral aroma.
Essential oil isolated by steam distillation are different in composition to those
naturally occurring in the oil bearing glands of plants, since the steam distillation
conditions cause chemical reactions to occur which result in the formation of certain
artificial chemicals, called artifacts. Some of these are considered beneficial e.g. the
formation of chamazulene during the steam distillation of Chamomile oil; whilst others
may not be e.g. the hydrolysis of linalyl acetate during the distillation of clary sage. Few,
if any, essential oils are unscathed by the thermal conditions of steam distillation, but
some distillation techniques can, in certain instances, be a measure less damaging than
others (e.g. hydro diffusion a sort of inverted steam distillation where steam is
introduced at the top of the vegetable material-packed container, and oil and condensate
issue from the bottom can produce oils with higher ester contents i.e. less thermally
induced hydrolysis).
A number of factors determine the final quality of a steam distilled essential oil.
Aside from the plant material itself, most important are time, temperature and pressure,
and the quality of the distillation equipment. Essential oils are very complex products.
Each is made up of many, sometimes hundreds, of distinct molecules which come
together to form the oil's aroma and therapeutic properties. Some of these molecules are
fairly delicate structures which can be altered or destroyed by adverse environmental
conditions. So, much like a fine meal is more flavorful when made with patience, most
oils benefit from a long, slow 'cooking' process. It is possible that longer distillation times
may give more complete oil. It is also possible however, that longer distillation time may
lead to the accumulation of more artifacts than normal. This may have a curious effect of
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appearing to improving the odour, as sometimes when materials that have a larger
number of components are sniffed, the perception is often of slightly increased
sophistication, added fullness and character, and possibly, and extra pleasantness.
2.6.2. Advantages:
The advantage of steam distillation is that it is a relatively cheap process to operate at a
basic level, and the properties of oils produced by this method are well known. Newer
methodology, such as sub critical water extraction, may well eventually replace steam
distillation, but so far even contenders such as carbon dioxide extraction - although
establishing a firm market niche - have not really threatened to take over as the major
preparative technique.
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2.6.4.b Topical Application: Perhaps even more common than inhalation, topical
application is the preferred method of use for many essential oils. However, most
essential oils require significant dilution as they can cause skin irritation. Lavender Oil
and Chamomile Oil are two essential oils that can be applied 'neat' or without dilution;
others, such as Cinnamon Oil and Oregano Oil should not be applied topically in most
cases - they may be applied once highly diluted to the bottoms of the feet. A very small
amount should be tested first. The interesting thing about topical application is that
essential oils tend to pass through the skin fairly readily, as they are lipotropic (fat
soluble) and their molecular structure is fairly small. Essential oils can pass into the
bloodstream and surrounding tissues.
2.6.4.c Ingestion: Finally, some essential oils are ingested, usually either in water or in
capsules. As this technique is rare, and not really considered effective in most cases.
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been investigated as potential cosolvents. This study formed one aspect of utilizing solar
energy stored in plants as liquid fuel components. The use of cosolvents to increase the
mutual miscibility of ethanol-petrol-water blends is the most immediately feasible
modification for controlling the phenomena of phase separation at low degree of
temperature. The phase stability of water-ethanol-1,8-Cineol ternary systems, which are
potentially valuable liquid fuels from renewable sources.
Materials required: nhydrous ethanol, gent grade anhydrous ethanol of boiling point
78.1 C and density 0.785 g/cc. 1,8-Cineole was obtained by fractionation of leaf oils of
Eucalyptus species. Water: the water double distilled from KMnO4.
22
from the from the graph to ensure that it passed through the composition of the overall
mixture.
23
CHAPTER-3
EXPERIMENTAL WORK
24
3.1Experimental Setup:
The schematic diagram of experimental setup is shown below. The experiment was
conducted in a Clevengers Apparatus. Apparatus consist of one round bottom flask of
1000ml which is connected with another two way round flask which holds raw material.
The top flask is connected with condenser through the connecter. The separating funnel is
used for the separation of essential oil and water.
25
26
The temperature of the extraction chamber cannot be too high, lest some
components of the oil be altered or destroyed. The same is true of the chamber's
pressure. Higher temperatures and pressures result in a 'harsh' aroma more
chemical than floral and lessen the oil's therapeutic effects.
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The extraction period must be allowed to continue for a certain period of time in
order to flush all the oil's components from the plant, as some are released more
quickly than others.
State
Liquid-oil
Odour
Camphoraceous odour
Taste
Density of oil
0.921 to 0.923
Solubility
1. Insoluble in water;
2. Miscible in alcohol having high
concentration or in anhydrous
alcohol;
3. Miscible in oil; fats; paraffins;
ether ; chloroform and glacial
acetic acid.
28
29
Componets
-Pinene
13.85
-Pinene
0.78
Sabinene
---
Limonene
4.31
1,8-Cineole
67.67
p-Cymene
13.13
Linalool L
---
Terpinen-4-ol
---
-Terpineol
45.68
-Terpinenyle Acetate
---
d-Carvone
30
31
CHAPTER-4
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
32
4.1 Inferences:
The amount of essential oils obtained by steam distillation, contains more than 2 ml of
essential oil per 150 gms of oven dried Euclayptus leaves, where as Essential oil obtained
from the Bay leaves contains very small amount of oil in comparison to the oil obtained
from Eucalyptus. The essential oil forms a film on the surface of the water. To separate
the essential oil from the water, the film is then decanted or skimmed off the top. The
remaining water, a byproduct of distillation, is called floral water, distillate, or hydrosol.
The oil obtained is pale yellow in colour , where as oil obtained from Bay leaves is
colourless.
Fresh, botanical material is placed in the plant chamber of the still and the steam is
allows to pass through the herb material under pressure which softens the cells and allows
the essential oil to escape in vapor form. As the time increases the steam production
increases which extract the oil from the leaves at the boiling point of the water. After 4-5
hours of operation the extraction of oil ceased.
Oil Vs Time
2.5
2
1.5
1
Series1
0.5
0
-0.5
100
200
Time(in min)
33
300
400
Oil
2.5
Oil(in ml)
2
1.5
1
Oil(ml)
0.5
0
-0.5
20
40
60
80
100
120
Temp( in deg C)
34
CHAPTER-5
CONCLUSION
35
36
Reference
1.
"The
37
13. Ammon, D.G., Barton, A.F.M. and Clarke, D.A., 1986. Eucalyptus oil as a
component of petrol-ethanol fuel blends.
14. GC-Analytical Solutions Analysis of Eucalyptus oil on Sol-GEL wax
http://www.sge.com/
15. Brophy JJ, Lassak EV & Toia RF (1985) The steamvolatile leaf oil of
Eucalyptus pulverulenta. Planta Medica, 51: 170-171.
38